Momodou
L.K. Sanneh, the deputy speaker at the National Assembly has said that poverty
and economic recession still affect the well-being of the people in Africa.
Honourable
Sanneh was speaking at the Extra Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament
which was held at a local hotel on Monday.
He
said ECOWAS will only achieve its goals if it enhances “our individual states
to serve their citizens effectively.” He added that for ECOWAS to play that
role, it needs to be well governed and managed to ensure transparency and
accountability.
“If
there is any time that the ECOWAS parliament should play an effective role in
the transformation of the sub-region, it is now,” he noted.
Hon.
Sanneh added that to effect positive changes, “it is essential to reflect on
ourselves, what we have learned from our time in office and how we can do
things wisely.”
According
him, since the formation of ECOWAS Parliament, there have been many changes in
parliament that reflect the achievements made in the sub-region. “We must
continue to be a vibrant parliament so that when the future parliamentarians
look back at our time; they can clearly see the improvements we made,” he
advised.
Deputy
speaker noted that the session is for them to improve the conduct of
legislation for the economic and social well-being of the sub-region. “Although
public concerns affect the business of parliaments; however, we should always
focus on the positive area.”
He
said the seminar provides the space for an open discussion where all views and
opinions are valued, while encouraging open and honest dialogue with utmost
respect for each other.
